Catalytic Conversion of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide into Methanol with Photocells

Abstract

CO and CO2 can be selectively converted to MeOH at ambient temperature by reduction of CO or CO2 and the oxidation of Everitt's salt [K2FeII[FeII(CN)6]] (I) to Prussian blue [KFeIII[FeII(CN)6]]. The reaction can only be activated by homogeneous catalysts consisting of a metal complex and a primary alc. I is regenerated in order to obtain the continuous conversion of CO and CO2, using an electrochem. photocell and a solar cell. Reduction mechanisms are discussed based on the results from IR and 13C-NMR spectra.